Upward

For Holy Communion, people shuffle single-file toward the front. An altar server’s little brother has just cleared the front pews and spots his sister up there. She is seated near the tabernacle, trying to pray, but also watching people go by. Her brother waves, he says, “Hi! Hi!” Their father holds a newborn in his left arm and his son’s hand in his right. In order to receive the sacrament, Dad releases the toddler’s hand briefly.
It is only a moment but the boy is acutely aware of the opportunity.

Once freed, he sprints in the direction of his sister. Torn between her white-robe professionalism and love for her brother, she remains frozen in her seat. She tries to wave him away in small gestures. She glances around nervously and blushes deep red. Her father grabs the boy and hustles back to their pew, as fast as a man with two small children can go. The girl sighs, pushes back her hair, and slowly looks up to the cross with a grin.